UTHRO currently has about 240 members and publishes a monthly newsletter, “The Evergreen.” The group also sponsors activities such as field trips and informational luncheons with speakers. Upcoming events include the annual Valentine's Luncheon on Feb. 12, a field trip to the Shiner area in March, and a tour of the Houston Ship Channel in April.

Annual dues are $10 for retirees, or $5 for potential retirees for associate memberships. The enrollment form and complete information are on the website. Membership is open to any UTHealth employee (faculty or staff).

O’Neill said UTHRO will be seeking other "perks" for retirees from UTHealth in the coming year, and she encourages retirees to join. “It’s a great way to stay in touch with your former friends and colleagues,” she said.

O’Neill joined UTHRO in 1998 but only became active after her retirement in 2010 from the School of Dentistry, where she was a professor and associate dean. She has served on UTHRO’s Executive Committee as a member-at-large for three years and also chaired the Steering Committee for the Annual Excellence Fund, a project to raise money for the UTHealth Brain Health Clinic.